Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade
What is the mayors plan for addressing the backlog of needs and maintenance of Colorado Springs’ parks, open spaces and trails?
Episode 51 – An Interview with Theresa Metcalf
In this episode I spoke with Theresa about how important collaboration is to the economic growth of the region and the benefits of being part of the Chamber & EDC.
Colorado Springs thoughts on Present and Future
Will relying on development in Downtown Colorado Springs really work?
Are Impact Fees the Panacea that will solve all of Colorado Springs financial problems?
Why is Colorado Springs still giving passes to certain groups to their benefit?
Is there a unifying vision for Colorado Springs?
So many Issues. So little time.
Is the data being provided by the city to the citizens to make future decisions good?
What’s the purpose of the city putting our bad data?
Colorado Springs’ Growth is Slowing
Could this be another WAKE-UP call for Colorado Springs?
19 Growth! Planning for the Future of Colorado Springs
Two city planners for the City of Colorado Springs share highlights about the city’s new comprehensive plan and proposed zoning updates.
Is a Dose of Medicine Coming to Colorado Springs in the Near Future?
Politicization: Will it harm the future of Colorado Springs? Yes? No?
Should we be on the look-out for the Ides of March?
Is there any way to cure the Malaise in Colorado Springs?
Starting New Issues
Will the citizens ever be told the truth?
Issues Facing Colorado Springs in 2022
When will the chickens come home to roost?
Predictions for Colorado Springs 2022
Keep the number 1400 in mind.
Will Colorado Springs have another Kumbaya Budget?
What happens when the “Free Money” stops?
82 Profiting from the Peak
How and why has Colorado Springs grown to be the second largest city in Colorado, and what are the environmental implications of this?
Women Running: Colorado Springs School Boards
We’re chatting about women running for office in the city of Colorado Springs, starting with school boards.
Human Trafficking in Colorado Springs
Today, we’re discussing human trafficking in Colorado Springs, and how you can spot it, get help and change the conversation.
The Importance of Parks and Open Space with Susan Davies
Susan Davies from The Trails and Open Space Coalition discusses parks and open spaces, and an upcoming ballot issue that will improve funding.
Community Conversation: Economic Recovery
The economy is coming back – what does recovery look like now and what might it look like in the future?
Happy 150th Birthday Colorado Springs
General Palmer speaks
The Renewal of Southeast Colorado Springs with Jacqueline Armendariz from RISE and Catherine Duarte from The City of Colorado Springs
Renewal in Southeast Colorado Springs, with Jacqueline Armendariz from RISE and Catherine Duarte from The City of Colorado Springs.
78 New El Paso County Master Plan
Get a tour of the new El Paso County Master Plan recently adopted by the county commissioners.
Has Public Health become a football? June 14 2021
Interesting Musings by Councilman Bill Murray
Why is the city still allowing Metro Districts? May 31 2021
Are homeowners being conned when they purchase home?
Positive and Negative Changes happening in Colorado Springs? May 24 2021
A new day for Colorado Springs?
The New Colorado Springs City Council 2021. Ho Hum. May 03 2021
You get what you pay for.
Is Colorado Springs really #1? Is being #1 an illusion or reality? April 26 2021
What’s so important about being #1?
Public Space Design for Public Health Equity
What needs to change to make our city center safe and healthy for all?
75 Creating a Community Built Park: You Can Do It!
An ambitious new project near downtown is cleaning up an old construction materials dump and turning it into an amazing community treasure.
Is the Growth of Colorado Springs Unprofitable? April 18 2019
Growth does cost a lot
How to Retain Your Community’s Soul During Rapid Development
On the eve of Colorado Springs’ sesquicentennial, what does our city need to thrive in the next 150 years?
Councilman Bill Murray gets thrown under the bus March 29 2021
Is Colorado Springs abusing Metro Districts?
Have you watched Colorado Springs city council lately? March 22 2021
Will the Covid-19 variance impact the local economy?
City Center Series: Equity in Transportation
How do we ensure the benefits of active multimodal transit are accessible to ALL citizens?
What does it cost to run Colorado Springs? Feb 22 2021
Has Colorado Springs’ economic situation improved?
Community Conversation: Restaurants
What challenges face the local restaurant business – both before and during COVID?
Talent Development in the City Center
A panel of Colorado Springs tech industry leaders talk with Bitwise co-CEOs Irma Olguin and Jake Soberal about what it takes to equitably develop local talent in a way that builds success for all.
Community Conversation: Community – Homelessness
How can we best address the challenge of reducing the number of people in the Pikes Peak Region who are homeless?
Community Conversation: Real Estate
Local experts discuss the real estate market, COVID and where the top is on Colorado Springs’ rising home prices.
Getting Economy Back to Normal Jan 24 2021
Is there a cost for the Covid-19 Vaccine?
Colorado Springs Ever Changing Economy Nov 30 2020
Will Colorado Springs ever have the right economic mix?
A serious conversation from an outside perspective Nov 23 2020
Councilman Bill Murray and Bob Cutter get down into the weeds
Are recent developer deals good or bad for Colorado Springs? Nov 16 2020
Does development pay for itself? Another primer on why it doesn’t
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers is the guest
On this week’s podcast, the guest is Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers.
Issues that affect Colorado Springs Start counting Oct 12 2020
Colorado Springs really doesn’t have any issues that affect it, does it?
First Friday July 3 2020
Highlights from the July 3, 2020 gallery openings along the Creative Corridor of Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs
Council Matters 20: Don Knight conversation: a continuation May 25 2020
More things discussed between Council members Bill Murray & Don Knight Population getting more hostile? Does Colorado Springs have an unhealthy economy? What’s the future economy going to look like? Fewer businesses. How many will Colorado Springs lose? Is the citizens discretionary income shrinking, growing, or staying the same? Impact? Will there by reductions in…
Council Matters 15: No respect here Apr 20 2020
How much can Colorado Springs take as far as economic losses? No respect. Councilman Bill Murray pulls off the gloves and wants answers. How much of a hit can the local economy of Colorado Springs take? How many businesses can it afford to lose? Does Colorado Springs have the leadership to get it through this…
Peak Town Square: Pikes Peak Region Business, Economy & Coronavirus
How is the Colorado Springs business community responding to the Coronavirus slowdown? There is a lot going on, and an array of resources to help businesses survive this emergency.
Council Matters 9: Space Force Fact Fiction or Fantasy MAR 09 2020
Issues relevant to Colorado Springs Is the Space Force really coming to Colorado Springs? What’s the history of NorthCom? We have someone here who can fill us in. Does Colorado Springs have the infrastructure to support the Space Command? Housing? Utilities? Public transportation? Are the numbers inflated for the amount of people who will be…
Council Matters 8: So many issues facing Colorado Springs Mar 02 2020
Can the Colorado Springs establishment handle it? Councilman Bill Murray is frustrated by the news of the day he starts this session off with the Desiderata Poem. Can Colorado Springs distance itself, or should it, from the United State Olympic Committee with all the legal issues surrounding the organization? Has money corrupted the organization? Are…
Will Colorado Springs ask for help to guide it in the future? Feb 24 2020
Does Colorado Springs have a future that will be robust? What do you do with a city that has a “Moat Mentality?” Change is coming demographically, technologically, environmentally, and politically. Will the establishment be able to handle it? Why the aversion to hiring consultants that can really help the city move forward? Is there a…
Council Matters 6: What direction is Colorado Springs going? Feb 17 2020
Is Colorado Springs going in the right direction? Does city council matter? Questions and answers about will there be a common balance to help Colorado Springs into the future? Isn’t it time to develop a real plan for the city’s growth prospects? Is development the way to go? Is Plan COS just another “feel good”…
Council Matters 54: Fake News? We’re a city of clean living and politics. Dec 16. 2019
Fake News here in Colorado Springs? Nah! Not here. The Fake News purported by one of the local media outlets takes first position this week. Who could that be? Are other cities have the same problems with STRs and ADUs? Is the city losing tax revenue? Is there parity among the property owners? How does…
Council Matters 53: Special Districts YIKES they’re still at it! Dec 09 2019
Don’t put your Pitchforks and Torches away just yet. This is another Jaw Dropping segment on Special Districts by Councilman Bill Murray and Tim Hoiles. These Special Districts are complex issues especially when they’re not held to account. How can that be? What are one-way contracts? Are Special Districts government entities? You’d better check you…
a Place for everyone: 4 How Does Data Inform Services?
This interview with Dr. Tatiana Bailey will examine what we know through research about individuals who experience homelessness in Colorado Springs
Council Matters 48: An Economics Lesson Oct 21 2019
Is the local economic philosophy wrong? Will Colorado Springs ever have affordable housing? Is there such a thing as Affordable Housing? Will the local developers take the chance to break even or a loss on Affordable Housing? How does the cost of living in Colorado Springs compare to the rest of the country? Why doesn’t…
a Place for everyone: 1 Housing Challenges in Colorado Springs
Who are the homeless, how did they get here, and what do they need? This inaugural episode of the podcast defines the problem of homelessness for our community – central El Paso County and Colorado Springs.
Peak Town Square 38: Switchbacks Soccer Stadium Q&A
This is the follow-up to the Switchbacks Soccer Stadium presentation. The audience’s take is very interesting.
Peak Town Square 37: The Switchbacks soccer stadium presentation
A detailed presentation of the Switchbacks soccer stadium which includes the 8000 seat stadium, apartments and eating establishments. The events will need an additional 2400 (est.) parking spaces. This will be a multi-use facility for events other than soccer.
Council Matters 41: Can Colorado Springs save its parks?
Should the citizens have a say in the leasing or selling of Colorado Springs parks? What is the definition of “A Park”? What does the city gain by disposing of parkland? Does it get the city well financially? Does this fit into the category of sell all or part of Colorado Springs Utilities? Does the…
Council Matters 40: Downtown Stadium Retail downturn Wage increase?
Is the economy slowing in Colorado Springs? What does a 5.1% increase in wages translate to? Is it real? Did you get one? How much of an issue will the DeVon Bailey shooting be for Colorado Springs? Why doesn’t Colorado Springs rid itself of Open Carry? Will the city get a Citizens Review Board? The…
Council Matters: The 4th Industrial Revolution. Is Colorado Springs ready?
The 4th Industrial Revolution is coming. Is Colorado Springs prepared? Does the city have a strategic plan in place? Where is Colorado Springs regarding innovation? Is the educational system at the elementary and higher levels engaged? Does the educational system have the capabilities to re-train people from the old economy? What will be the overall…
Council Matters: 122 Musings of a Councilman
What was learned from the Site Selection Committee that visited Colorado Springs? It maybe not what you think. Is the downtown too quiet? Is tourism really a viable economic model? Does Colorado Springs have the right mix when it comes to the local workforce? What is Colorado Springs transit plan? The Robson Arena and the…
Council Matters: Alphabet Soup: ADUs, STRs and PlanCOS – June 17 2019
Host and City Councilor Bill Murray welcomes Bob Cutter back to the guest mic, and they come out swinging.
Council Matters: How’s Our Local Economy Really Doing? – June 10 2019
Bob Cutter joins Council Matters host and City Councilor Bill Murray to take a hard and honest look at Colorado Springs’ economy.
Peak Environment: 28 Cooperatives and Solidarity Economy for Colorado Springs
Can cooperation and collaboration trump competition and profit maximization in generating community wealth? Matt Noyes, son of Chinook Bookstore founders Dick and Judy Noyes, shares his vision for the variety of ways Colorado Springs can benefit from models of cooperative organization and solidarity economy.
Town Square: #23 CC Ice Arena Mtg 3 Q&A – March 23 2019
City for Champions, building materials, neighborhood congruity and existing neighborhood parking challenges are among the topics brought up in the Q&A section of public meeting #3 about the proposed Robson ice arena at Colorado College. Public meeting schedule and additional information can be found here. (Episode 23, recorded 3/23/19)
Town Square: #22 CC Ice Arena Public Mtg 3 – March 23 2019
Major changes in the planned arena were explained in this third meeting about the Colorado College Robson Ice Arena: a parking garage and parking lot, plus a relocation of the arena and the tennis courts. The meeting also included more discussion of the architecture. Listen to the next episode of Town Square for the Q&A…
Council Matters: No City for Old Men? – March 18 2019
Do we have a battle of the generations heating up? An off-hand remark about Colorado Springs wanting all the millennials we can get has sparked some conversation. Do we not value the oldsters? This episode has something for everyone to get excited about: bike lanes, taxes, traffic, red light cameras, and mentorship. (Episode 114, Recorded…
Council Matters: A VooDoo Local Economy? – March 4 2019
Jobs “created” in Colorado Springs in 2018 were apparently only one third of the number originally estimated. Are overly optimistic economic numbers steering our city off course? Are we too busy creating minimum wage jobs? Sales tax, jobs, and economic development decisions under the microscope in this episode. The Scheels economic development incentive comes up, and…
Town Square: CC Ice Arena Architectural Q&A – Feb 16 2019
The Q&A session on architectural plans for the Colorado College Robson Ice Hockey Arena. This is part two of the second public meeting on the arena. Public meeting schedule and additional information can be found here. (Episode 15, recorded 2/16/19)
Town Square: CC Ice Arena Architecture Presentation – Feb 16 2019
Architecture design and criteria are laid out by the project team in the second in a series of discussions about the Colorado College Robson Ice Arena. Be sure to listen to the next episode of Town Square, as well – the Q&A segment that followed this presentation. The arena is part of the Colorado Springs…
Council Matters: USAFA Visitors Center – Feb 11 2019
Will the Air Force Academy Visitors Center project bring Colorado Springs the promised economic windfall? Co-hosts and City Councilors Bill Murray and Tom Strand discuss the project and dig into the subject of tax giveaways by Colorado Springs. What do YOU think? Post your comments below. (Episode 210, Recorded 1/25/19)
Council Matters: Collective Bargaining for Firefighters? – Feb 4 2019
Should firefighters be able to organize to negotiate pay? It’s on the April ballot. Plus: the Chamber & EDC is proposing “new financial arrangements” for business development to our City Council. Co-hosts and City Councilors Bill Murray and Tom Strand dig into the pros & cons of collective bargaining, discuss economic development incentives, and ponder…
Town Square: CC Ice Arena Meeting Q&A – Jan 5 2019
Parking, traffic, funding and return on investment top the issues as neighbors ask challenging questions of the city and Colorado College. This is the Q&A portion of the January 5 public meeting on the proposed Robson Arena. Listen to part one of the meeting here. The arena is part of the Colorado Springs City for…
Town Square: CC Ice Arena Public Meeting – Jan 5 2019
This is the opening presentation by Colorado College on the concept of the proposed Robson Arena and the projected impact on the neighboring area. Robson Arena is a planned sporting event venue on the southern edge of the campus that will seat 3,000. Groundbreaking on construction of the arena is anticipated late in 2019. Robson…
Council Matters: Cold Shoulder for CC Ice Arena – Jan 7 2019
Serious questions about the proposed hockey arena at Colorado College are being raised by North End neighbors. Has the planning been sufficient for the existing neighborhood? Why is Colorado Springs giving money to a private college for this project? Can parking issues be addressed and resolved? Who will cover infrastructure costs? Will the Robson Arena…
Council Matters: Springs 2018 in Review – Dec 17 2018
It was never a dull moment in 2018 for the City of Colorado Springs. Co-hosts (and city councilors) Bill Murray and Tom Strand discuss a new CEO, new governance committees, renewed commitment to renewables, and developments related to closing the coal-fired Martin Drake power plant at Utilities. Also on the docket: the new regulation of…
Special: State of Our City – Dirk Draper – Nov 27 2018
A review of recent accomplishments and a glimpse into the future by Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC CEO Dirk Draper. This meeting was hosted by Leadership Pikes Peak at Coquette’s Bistro. (Recorded 11/27/18) LINKS: Leadership Pikes Peak Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Coquette’s Bistro Subscribe (free) to Studio 809 Specials podcast:
Council Matters: The Ugly Stormwater Mess – Dec 3 2018
Stormwater management in Colorado Springs is a mess. Co-hosts and city councilors Tom Strand and Bill Murray get into the ugly truth in this episode. What’s next now that the city lost the EPA lawsuit? Will stormwater fees be increased? Will new taxes be levied? Is the city in a financial hole it can’t get…
Town Square: New Colorado Springs Comprehensive Plan
Are you turned on by vibrant neighborhoods, unique places, a thriving economy, strong connections, renowned culture or majestic landscapes? Learn all about the proposed new Comprehensive Plan for the City of Colorado Springs, PlanCOS, a plan that will guide our community’s physical development over the coming decades. The City’s Carl Schueler (Comprehensive Planning Manager) and Conrad…
Special: Growing Downtown and What It Means to You
This Neighborhood Chat includes Susan Edmondson of the Downtown Partnership, Crystal LaTier with El Paso County Housing & Community Development, and Colorado Springs Department of Housing & Urban Development’s Steve Posey). Local residents chime in on what they’d like to see happen to downtown Colorado Springs, plus affordable housing and short term rentals. This is…
Special: State of the City 2018
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers delivered this address on September 27, 2018 at a luncheon hosted by the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. If you couldn’t afford the ticket or for some other reason missed this event, you can hear it here. Past accomplishments and future aspirations were among his remarks in this “annual report”…
Council Matters: On A Roll – Aug 27 2018
Verbal thrashings punctuate a smorgasbord of topics hot in Colorado Springs. Bring your fire extinguisher. City Councilors Tom Strand and Bill Murrary are on a roll in this episode. There’s a lot of Heat and they’re taking “No Prisoners.” PlanCOS; Camping Ordinance; metropolitan districts; economic sustainability; public safety. Your comments are welcome below. (Episode 88,…
Peak Environment: #3 Joy of Environmental and Geologic History
Is your house going to erupt in flames or be buried in a landslide? Who are “boosters” and what have they done for Colorado Springs? And how do we measure environmental impact? Who said geology and history are dull? This episode’s stories about environmental and geologic history in the Pikes Peak Region will keep you…
Council Matters: City for Champions Funding – July 30 2018
A downtown stadium and arena are in the works for Colorado Springs. Is this cause for celebration or for concern? City councilors (and Council Matters co-hosts) Tom Strand and Bill Murray explore the ins and outs of these recently announced City for Champions (C4C) projects. They examine the financing plans, the role of the taxpayer,…
Council Matters: Business & Jobs – May 21 2018
Why isn’t Colorado Springs attracting permanent businesses? City Councilors Tom Strand and Bill Murray discuss this question. They ask if the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC (Economic Development Council) are doing enough. Is the city’s job market expanding in the high-end or the low-end? Are we becoming a bedroom community of Denver or a military…
Council Matters: Banning Lewis Ranch Post Mortem – May 7 2018
Amending the Banning Lewis Ranch annexation agreement was just the first step. According to Colorado Springs City Councilor Bill Murray, “The Heavy Lifting” is yet to be done. This includes road construction, fire and police stations. Bill Murray and Tom Strand also discuss Arbor Day and the teachers protests (locally and in Denver). (Episode 74,…
Council Matters: Water, Parks, and A Few Other Things – April 23 2018
Can Colorado Springs afford to water its parks? City Councilors Bill Murray and Tom Strand discuss ways of addressing that financial challenge. Also: Surplus city revenue? Bill thinks the town will be hitting an economic downturn very soon. Doug Lamborn’s spot in the primary heads to the Colorado Supreme Court. Hickenlooper for president 2020? (Episode…
Special: Banning Lewis Ranch Town Hall #3 April 11 2018
In this 3rd and final Town Hall about the proposed amendment to the Banning Lewis Ranch annexation agreement, members of city staff make a presentation and answer city council questions; and citizens voice concerns, opinions and questions. This starts in mid-sentence due to technical problems in the meeting sound system. City Council is scheduled to…
Colorado Issues & Answers: Hispanic Business Council – March 12 2018
Tony Perez, of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Business Council, sits down with host Joe Barrera for a conversation about the Hispanic community in Colorado Springs. The Hispanic Business Council, the diversity and inclusion movement, small businesses in El Paso County and Colorado Springs are discussed. The discussion delves into minorities, markets, demographics, networking the small…
Town Square: Banning Lewis – Giving Up Too Much?
Four citizens discuss flaws in the proposed amendments to the Banning Lewis Ranch annexation agreement, and the shortcomings in the process that are giving us this result. Colorado Springs City Council is scheduled to vote in April on this proposal designed to jump-start development. The ranch represents about 20% of the total area of Colorado…
Special: Banning Lewis Ranch Town Hall #2 – Feb 2 2018
Amendments are proposed to the Banning Lewis Ranch annexation agreement, in an effort to jump-start development on this 24,000 acre swath of the city. Colorado Springs City Council hears from the public and answers some of their questions at this town hall meeting about the proposal. Thanks to the City of Colorado Springs for making…
Colorado Springs City Council is being asked to ease developer requirements in the Banning Lewis Ranch annexation agreement. Local citizen Dave Gardner takes the mic in the this episode to explain why the proposal needs to be reworked. “We need to assure it doesn’t kill the city budget and ensure Colorado Springs develops in a…
Council Matters: Antlers Park – Jan 29 2018
A soccer stadium at Antlers Park? Perry Sanders and a few business associates are suggesting this idea. Will this stadium fill the requirements for the City for Champions? Time’s running out to obtain the C4C funding help from the state of Colorado. What’s the “reverting clause?” Does the city maintain its parks adequately? The Switchbacks…
Council Matters: Trouble at Banning-Lewis Ranch – Jan 22 2018
The troubled Banning-Lewis Ranch annexation agreement amendment proposal: Is there a master plan? Are the financial projections a little too “rosy”? Has there been adequate public input and participation? Is there a shorter name for this albatross? City Councilors Bill Murray and Tom Strand discuss. Should a citizens committee be formed to scrub the pro-development…
Council Matters: Downtown Power Plant – Jan 8 2017
The dynamic duo is back from holiday break and they don’t miss a beat. Colorado Springs City Councilors Bill Murray and Tom Strand discuss the closing of the belching behemoth known as Martin Drake. Then they switch gears to converse about the blue frame, Colorado Municipal League, gas taxes, the strong mayor and – in…
Council Matters: Tourism in Colorado Springs Nov 20 2017
Discussions of tourism kick off today’s program. The USOC Olympic Museum is first and Bill Murray and Tom Strand take different positions. They also disagree on a proposed stadium (that refuses to die). City for Champions, tax increment financing, Lodging Auto Rental Tax, Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce and Economic…
Council Matters – January 26 2016 – Olympic Museum
Does the Olympic Museum have local support? Is the financing coming up short? Will private funding come to the rescue?
Council Matters – November 24 2016
Dave Gardner guest-hosts one last time before Bill Murray rejoins the show. Co-Host Tom Strand gives a shout out to all the citizens who volunteer for various boards and committees. Some local organizations that endorse and fund council campaigns: The HBA (Housing and Building Association) and Regional Business Alliance (RBA). Colorado Springs Forward. They discuss…
CityTalk – November 4 2016
Did Jan smoke pot in her youth? Reefer Madness in Colorado Springs: Jill Gaebler and Jan Martin discuss the medical marijuana moratorium. Is that being “business friendly?” Is the Gazette editorializing about this in its news coverage? Should city council be listening to “the voices of the people or the voices of the powerful?” The…
Paving Paradise #3 – Drinking the Pro-Growth Kool-Aid
In spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, what keeps us convinced that growth leads to widespread prosperity? It’s a never-ending stream of pro-growth propaganda in the media. Dave Gardner finds a wealth of examples of pro-growth media bias in his local paper over less than a month’s time. Explore this subject further at www.growthbiasbusted.org, and…
Council Matters – Sept 29 2016
Metro districts, infill, and blight. Pros and cons of high density development. “Democratic socialism,” jobs and economic development. Tom invites your feedback. Comment here or on the Studio 809 Facebook page.
#1: World Population Day & Water in the West
GrowthBusters director Dave Gardner examines the insanity of watching water levels in Lake Mead drop while campaigning to grow the population in places like Arizona and Nevada. Also, why no mention of overpopulation or population growth by the UN on World Population Day?